News from Biotrofix
AMORFIX LIFE SCIENCES AND BIOTROFIX ANNOUNCE DETECTION OF AGGREGATED BETA-AMYLOID IN CSF USING THE A4 ALZHEIMER’S TEST
TORONTO, ON, October 21 2010 – Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd. (TSX:AMF) and Biotrofix, Inc. today announced that they have successfully detected the presence of the aggregated Beta-Amyloid (Abeta) peptide in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from transgenic mice using the Amorfix A4 test. The results come from a collaborative study using the transgenic (Tg2576) mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Following collection and analysis of CSF, plasma and brains from 3 month old transgenic and normal mice, they successfully detected the presence of the aggregated Abeta peptide in the CSF from the transgenic mice which correlated with the signal detected in the brains and plasma.
“This is the first time the detection of aggregated Abeta has been achieved in CSF from any mouse model. The ability to measure aggregated Abeta in CSF from transgenic mice is an important new tool to understand Alzheimer’s disease and for the evaluation of therapeutic benefit of potential new treatments. We have previously reported the quantitative detection of aggregated Abeta in brains and plasma from AD animal models and the detection in CSF in mice at such a young age further increases the utility of the A4 test.” said Louise Scrocchi, Associate Director for Research and Development for Amorfix.
The CSF, plasma, and brain samples were collected for analysis by Biotrofix. Biotrofix specializes in small animal models of CNS and vascular diseases, and, in particular, has capabilities of obtaining small amounts of CSF and plasma in mice. The quantitative measurement of aggregated Abeta was obtained using the Amorfix A4. The aggregated peptide was detected in the CSF, plasma and brains from transgenic mice, but not in samples collected from non-transgenic control mice.
”We were delighted to work with Amorfix to combine our expertise in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease with their high-sensitivity assay for detection of aggregated Abeta,” said Dr. Seth Finklestein, CEO of Biotrofix.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Biotrofix on this study and point to these results as an example of how we can make significant scientific breakthroughs and develop mutually productive business relationships with our partners,” said Dr. Robert Gundel, President and CEO of Amorfix.
About A4
The Amorfix A4 is an ultrasensitive method for the detection of aggregated Abeta that provides quantitative measurements of aggregates. The A4 can detect aggregates in standard animal models of AD several months before conventional microscopic procedures thereby accelerating the preclinical screening of new drugs for AD. The A4 is significantly more sensitive than current methods for detecting total Abeta and can be used in high-throughput applications designed to study the inhibition of amyloid formation.
About Amorfix
Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd. (TSX:AMF) is a theranostics company developing therapeutic products and diagnostic devices targeting misfolded protein diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and cancer. The Company’s diagnostic programs include an ultrasensitive method for the detection of aggregated Beta-Amyloid (ABeta) in brain tissue and blood from animal models of AD, months prior to observable amyloid formation, as well as human blood screening tests for Alzheimer’s and early liver cancer detection. Amorfix’s proprietary Epitope Protection™ (EP) technology enables it to specifically identify very low levels of aggregated misfolded proteins (AMP) in a sample. Amorfix utilizes its computational discovery platform, ProMIS™, to predict novel Disease Specific Epitopes (“DSE”) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Amorfix’s lead therapeutic programs include antibodies and vaccines to DSEs in ALS, AD and cancer. For more information about Amorfix, visit www.amorfix.com.
About Biotrofix
Biotrofix, Inc. is a premier preclinical CRO specializing in efficacy-pharmacology in small animal models of CNS and vascular diseases. Services include PK/PD studies, as well as rodent models of Alzheimer’s Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, acute stroke, stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and acute myocardial infarction, among others. Biotrofix was founded by Drs. Seth Finklestein and JingMei Ren, who have more than 40 years of combined experience in animal models of neurological and vascular diseases.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release may contain certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Robert Gundel
President & Chief Executive Officer
Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd.
Tel: (416) 847-6957
Fax: (416) 847-6899
bob.gundel@amorfix.com
Janet Clennett
Acting Chief Financial Officer
Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd.
Tel: (416) 847-6926
Fax: (416) 847-6899
Janet.clennett@amorfix.com
Dr. Seth Finklestein
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Biotrofix, Inc.
Tel: (781) 314-9301
Fax: (781) 465-6061
Seth.finklestein@biotrofix.com
Nicole Green
Director of Client Relations
Biotrofix, Inc.
Tel: (781) 314-9305
Fax: (781) 465-6061
Nicole.green@biotrofix.com |
